Operating Engineer
Posted Sep 11, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about a time you found a problem during routine rounds before it turned into a failure.
What they are checking: Whether they pay real attention on rounds, which is where most expensive breakdowns get prevented.
This is a Local 399 union position. How do you work with a supervisor when you disagree about how a job should be done?
What they are checking: Whether they can raise a disagreement respectfully and within the agreement without stalling the work.
Tell me about a repair you did that you later realized was wrong. What happened next?
What they are checking: Whether they own mistakes openly, which keeps small errors from becoming safety problems.
What would you do
You're covering another site during an emergency and you've never been in that building. What do you do when you walk in?
What they are checking: Whether they get oriented safely and quickly by finding drawings, shutoffs and the local contact before acting.
A tenant is upset because their office has been cold for three days. How do you handle that conversation while you fix it?
What they are checking: Whether they pair technical work with the customer service mindset the posting asks for.
About the work
This role covers mechanical, plumbing, structural, fire, life safety and control systems. Which of those are you strongest in, and which would you need help with?
What they are checking: Whether they know their own skill gaps honestly, which matters when they cover sites alone.
Walk me through how you'd troubleshoot an air handler that's running but the space it serves is still too warm.
What they are checking: Whether they work through airflow, coil, valves and controls in a logical order instead of guessing.
How do you test fire and life safety systems, and what records do you keep?
What they are checking: Whether they treat life safety testing and documentation as non-negotiable, since inspectors and lives depend on it.
How do you keep track of preventive maintenance across several assigned locations so nothing gets missed?
What they are checking: Whether they use a work order system or clear routine rather than relying on memory across multiple buildings.
What would you check on a cooling tower at the start of the season?
What they are checking: Whether they know practical startup checks like water treatment, fans, basins and controls.
Practice this interview out loud.
Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Jones Lang LaSalle from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.
Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Jones Lang LaSalle.